Intermittent Starting problems

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kchad917

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Hi Guys,
A little background, I pick up a 2007 Tahoe recently with 147,000 miles to tow my wife's new camper she wanted. I had to do little things to it to get it ready for that purpose (tires, trans cooler, etc.), first trip was a success but realized fast that i needed a trans cooler. now to the problem, during that first trip i decided to run to Walmart to grab something, took about 30 mins to get there with traffic. I went into the store for about 30 mins and when i came out and attempted to start my Tahoe it cranked once and sounded like the starter was drawing a lot of power (sounded like the battery was dying), I shut it off and went to crank again. the second crank was a long one but sounded great (i.e. battery not dead) 3rd crank it fired right up; no check engine lights no codes or anything. I have drove it a lot since then with it not happening again till yesterday. I had to run to Walmart again, it was a 40 min drive, 30 mins in the store. come out and the same thing, very hard crank followed by a fast crank and then fired up on the 3rd crank. Again, no check engine lights or anything, it's only happened twice, but enough to make me nervous. I have search everywhere trying to find someone with these same symptoms and only came across one other guy that had the same EXACT problems and his ended up being his fuel pump, i can see the long crank being the fuel pump but the hard draw on the battery also? maybe it just hates being at Walmart who knows, but i can say it does feel very sluggish, going uphill in this Tahoe even without a trailer is a chore. if anyone could point me in a direction of where to begin, it would be much appreciated
 

Fless

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Start with a fuel pressure test. Gauges can be "rented" from many auto parts stores with a temporary deposit. See link below but navigate to your specific vehicle. You may need to monitor the pressure as you drive, but it sounds like it happens when attempting to start.


Next time it does it, try flooring the accelerator pedal to cut off fuel from the injectors (that's called the "clear flood" mode) in case there is a leaky injector or malfunctioning purge valve.


Also, with a bidirectional scanner, have a crankshaft position relearn (CASE) done to verify that the crankshaft position sensor is working properly. Consider replacing the crankshaft position sensor with an OE sensor, then doing the relearn.
 

Joseph Garcia

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Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please. If we can't see it, it does not exist.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.
 

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